What new $5.2m COVID-19 package means for USQ students

Tom has been with News Regional Media since 2013, having worked in newsrooms across south-west Queensland. Prior to his appointment at The Chronicle, he was the editor of the Western Star in Roma for 18 months. Growing up in Brisbane, he studied journalism at Queensland University of Technology. Away from work, he is happily in a relationship with his partner Sarah and enjoys playing music with his band in Toowoomba and supporting the Brisbane Broncos.

THE University of Southern Queensland's new $5.2 million student support package couldn't have come at a better time for undergraduates Ash Brar and Nick Whiteside.

The USQ students expressed their relief knowing expenses like rent and technology purchases needed to help study from home would be covered, after the university announced the new package on Wednesday afternoon.

International student Ms Brar, who is studying a bachelor of business and commerce, said the chance she could lose her job soon had left her on edge.

Support package for USQ students:
USQ students will get help with rent and technology purchases as part of a massive $5.2 million support package

"Being an international student, it's been very hard," she said.

"I can't go back home, the flights have been cancelled, I'm lucky enough to still have a job but once that is shut down as well, I don't know what I'm going to do.

"It's very scary and really uncertain."

Ms Brar said she would use to package to keep a roof over her head while she continued studying.

"It's very good to know there is something I can fall back on and that the university is going to help us, both financially and academically," she said.

"This is a very emotional time, so I'm glad to know that when worst comes to worst, I won't have to worry about rent as much."

Education student Mr Whiteside said the student population had been encouraged by the announcement of the financial support.

"The biggest point is just that USQ is here to support us," he said.

"As a small university it's really nice to know they're here for us and they're ready to help us and put us first.

"Although it's very difficult obviously not being around that university life which a lot of us signed up for, the lecturers and everybody else at USQ are really trying to make it work and through platforms like Zoom and Facebook we're all staying together and keeping morale relatively high."

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) anounce funding support for students during coronavirus pandemic. From left; Josh Pienaar, the Pro Vice Chancellor Students, students Nick Whiteside, from Toowoomba studying Bachelor of Education Secondary and Ash Brar, from India Bachelor of Business and Commerce, Picture: Bev LaceyBev Lacey

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the university had itself been pushing for support from the State and Federal Government during the ongoing crisis.

"We're having very frequent meetings with the Federal Government, the State Government and the universities," she said.

"We're asking for support from both levels in various ways. The State Government is considering a range of ways in which they can assist us, but I'm not in a position to announce any of those yet.

"Both governments have been standing beside us the whole way and we've been very grateful for that."